Agra, Sep 3 (IANS): As the pace of daily testing picks momentum, the number of Covid-19 cases too is showing an upward trend in the Agra region.

In the past 24 hours, Agra reported 71 positive cases, Mathura 114, Firozabad 50, Etah 35, Mainpuri 30, and Kasganj 26.

In Agra, the total number of samples collected is 1,22,638. In the past 24 hours, 2,572 samples were taken. The number of positive cases stands at 3,071, while the total discharged is 2,444.

A total of 107 patients have succumbed to the disease. The recovery rate is 81.37 per cent and the sample positivity rate is 2.48 per cent. The total number of active cases was 490 till Thursday morning.

District authorities announced that the postponed Sero Survey will now start from Friday and continue for three days. Ten teams will be stationed at 45 spots to collect a total of 1,080 samples which will be sent to the ICMR.

The railways have announced half a dozen new trains from Friday. The Agra-Lucknow Intercity will commence from the Agra Cantt railway station. This will be particularly beneficial to students appearing for various examinations. Agra University too has announced its decision to reopen from Thursday.

The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the screening of visitors to various government offices. No one would be permitted entry without a mask. The premises are to be regularly sanitised.

Meanwhile, the National Chamber of Industries and Commerce, Agra chapter, has demanded the early reopening of the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, to bring back on rails the dented hospitality sector. Smaller monuments are now open and domestic tourists are visiting them. The main attraction is the Mehtab Bagh at the rear of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna. People can enjoy a grand view of the Taj Mahal from this point.